The models

HORNBY’S forthcoming OO scale models will represent the Turbomotive in both original LMS condition (R 30134 and R 30134X) and its short-lived British Railways service in lined black livery with smoke deflectors (R 30135 and R 30135X). The X versions will be DCCfitted with 21-pin sockets, and it will be interesting to see what kind of sound effects will be suitable for what was in real life such a whisper-quiet locomotive.

Comparing the high-resolution images of the models with our archive photos shows up an absence of some riveted detail – but some of it is there, beneath the smooth paint finish, with very neatly applied lining, cab-side power classification details and locomotive numbers.

The overall lines of the locomotives are captured well, and the BR lined black version with smoke deflectors will be of particular interest to many modellers, for the Turbomotive ran in that condition for less than two years before a final costly turbine failure brought the decision to rebuild it as a hybrid between a Princess Royal and a Duchess.

The high-resolution photograph of the main turbine side shows the long casing to be plain black, with red lining on what can be seen of the boiler bands, with more fully-applied lining along the running plate, around the cab-side numbers and on the tender sides.

Hornby has announced prices of £266.49 for the basic specifications and £290.49 for each of the X versions.